Key Facts
A Ph.D. from KAUST opens doors in all kinds of industries including research labs, consulting firms, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and academic postdoctoral and faculty roles. Our alumni have excelled at prestigious organizations like Google, Tesla, and Saudi Aramco. By cultivating the persistence, ambition, and motivation required for a Ph.D., you will join a distinguished community that supports each other with opportunities and inspiration.
Key Information
- Duration: Full-time, 48 months
- Start dates & application deadlines:
- Starting January 2027 - Apply before Oct 2026
- Starting August 2027 - Apply before May 2027 (International)
- Starting August 2027 - Apply before May 2027 (National)
- Language: English
- Credits: 72 alternative credits
- Delivered: On Campus
- Campus Location: Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
- Disciplines: Computer Sciences
Programme Structure
To obtain additional information about the programme, we kindly suggest that you visit the programme website, where you can find further details and relevant resources.
Academic Requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English Requirements
- TOEFL iBT: minimum score 81
- PTE Academic: minimum score 62
- IELTS: minimum score 6.5
General Requirements
- Official university transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official TOEFL or IELTS Academic score
- Official GRE scores (GRE submission is encouraged and will enhance an application, but it is not compulsory)
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
International: 48,451 AUD total; 48,449 AUD Built-In Scholarship; Non-residents: 1 AUD / year
Domestic: 48,451 AUD total; 48,449 AUD Built-In Scholarship; Citizens or residents: 1 AUD / year
Additional Details: All admitted students receive the benefits of the KAUST Fellowship which supports students for the duration of their graduate studies.
Living Costs
Thuwal, Saudi Arabia: 837-1,270 AUD / month
Funding
The KAUST Fellowship includes:
- Full coverage of tuition and bench fees (worth USD $35,000 per year)
- A monthly stipend (worth USD $20,000 per year for PG Diploma and M.S. students, and USD $25,000 to $30,000 for Ph.D. students depending on qualifications and academic progress)
- On-campus housing (worth USD $7,000 per year and covering utilities such as electricity and wifi)
- Health insurance (worth USD $1,450 per year)
- Relocation support (visa, relocation and travel costs)
In total, depending on where you travel from and what level you are studying at, the Fellowship is calculated to be worth between $70k and $80k per year.
